About Meghalaya | Facts | History | Best Places to Visit
In this article, we provide detailed information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist attractions of Meghalaya. Meghalaya is a stunning fusion of natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore Northeast India. Whether you’re exploring its waterfalls, trekking through dense forests, or experiencing its vibrant tribal traditions, Meghalaya offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of nature.
| About: | Meghalaya is a state in northeast India. Meghalaya was formed on 21 January 1972 by carving out two districts from the state of Assam: (a) the United Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills and (b) the Garo Hills. The estimated population of Meghalaya in 2014 was 3,211,474. Meghalaya covers an area of approximately 22,429 square kilometres, with a length-to-breadth ratio of about 3:1. Meghalaya, ‘the Abode of Clouds’ is one of the North Eastern states of India. |
| History: | Apart from accounts of the more important Khasi kingdoms in the chronicles of the neighbouring Ahoms and Kacharis, little is known of Meghalaya prior to the British period. In the early 19th century, however, the British desire to build a road through the region to link Bengal and Assam led to a treaty (1827) with the ruler (syiem) of the Khasi principality of Nonkhlaw. Opponents of the treaty persuaded the syiem to repudiate it in 1829, and a subsequent attack on the British led inevitably to British military operations against the Khasis. By the mid-1830s, most of the local rulers had submitted to the British. For the next century, the British exercised political control over the area, then known as the Garrows and Cossiya (Khasi) States, but the tribes, left to themselves, were able to preserve their traditional way of life in seclusion. In 1947 the rulers of the region acceded to the newly independent country of India. India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, evolved a policy to preserve and protect the way of life of the tribal peoples. Along with other tribal areas, the region was given special protection in the Indian constitution, and, though included within the state of Assam, it retained a great deal of autonomy. When Assamese became the state’s official language in 1960, agitation for autonomy and self-rule gathered strength. Unlike in many other hill regions in northeastern India, this movement was largely peaceful and constitutional. Meghalaya was created as an autonomous state within Assam in 1970 and achieved full statehood on January 21, 1972. |
| Geography: | Meghalaya lies between latitudes 25°02’ to 26°07’ N and longitudes 89°49’ to 92°50’ E, covering a geographical area of 22,429 sq. km. The elevation ranges from 60 m to 1,961 m above sea level, with the highest point being Laitkor Peak, measuring 1,961 m. The state shares a 496 km international boundary with Bangladesh to the south and west, while Assam borders it to the north and east. The eastern part is defined by the Karbi Hills, which form a part of the Meghalaya Plateau. Surrounding the state are vast plains drained by the Brahmaputra River in the north and west, and the Surma River along with its tributaries in the south. The climate is monsoonal, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season spans from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to February. |
| Country : | India |
| Region: | Northeast India |
| Capital & largest city: | Shillong |
| Language: | English |
| Population: | 2,966,889 (2011) |
| Literacy rate: | 74.43% (2024) |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | Umiam Lake Shillong Peak Elephant Falls Don Bosco Museum Ward’s Lake Living Root Bridges Nohkalikai Falls Mawsmai Cave Dainthlen Falls Tura Nokrek National Park Pelga Falls Mawlynnong (God’s Own Garden) Living Root Bridge Sky Walk Laitlum Canyons Kongthong (Whistling Village) Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls) Kynrem Falls Sweet Falls Dawki (Umngot River) Mawsynram Siju Cave Arwah Caves Nongriat Village |